Hayden Panettiere‘s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, honored the late actress with a message Friday on what would have been her 37th birthday, just five days after the “Heroes” star tragically died.
Panettiere and Klitschko first dated from 2009 through 2011 and later got back together in 2013. They became engaged that same year but split on amicably in 2018. They share one daughter, Kaya, together, who was born in 2014.
“Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit and the love she brought into this world,” Klitschko wrote in his Friday tribute on X. “I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support. At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.”
“If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it,” Klitschko added. “Happy Birthday, Hayden. ❤️ You are loved, you are missed and you will never be forgotten.”
Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) August 21, 2026
I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and… pic.twitter.com/9WifWMPQpM
Panettiere, best known for her lead roles in shows like “Heroes” and “Nashville,” was found unresponsive Sunday, Aug. 16 in an apartment in Greenville, S.C. She was 36. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
His birthday message Friday comes just days after Klitschko mourned Panettiere’s loss on his Instagram page, writing that he and his family were experiencing a time of “profound shock and grief.” While the two were no longer together at the time of her death, Klitschko wrote that she remained “an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter” after their split.
“She left this world far too soon,” Klitschko wrote of the actress. “She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”
“To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was,” the Ukrainian former professional boxer vowed, adding, “Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.”
He concluded his message by remarking that he hopes Panettiere has found “eternal peace.”
Klitschko is far from the only public figure who has mourned Panettiere’s passing this week. The entertainment industry has been rocked by the news of her death. Many of the actress’ former co-stars, including Viola Davis, Connie Britton and Emma Roberts, have penned tributes to the star in recent days.
